Bowling Green Today

In a significant development for Kentucky and trade policy, the Senate has passed U.S. Senator Rand Paul’s (R-KY) amendment #1952, aimed at streamlining the processing of goods at Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG). This amendment was included in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act (H.R. 3935).

Dr. Paul’s amendment seeks to recognize CVG's critical role by initiating its addition to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) list of Designated Ports. This designation will allow CVG to directly process shipments of wildlife and wildlife-derived products, thereby reducing logistical complexities, cutting costs, and creating job opportunities in Kentucky.

“Adding Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport as a Designated Port is a strategic move that enhances efficiency, reduces costs, creates jobs for Kentucky, and aligns it with the demands of global commerce,” said Dr. Paul. “My amendment is a win-win, not just for our Commonwealth but for the national economy.”

Despite being ranked as the sixth busiest cargo airport in the United States in 2022—handling over eight billion pounds of landed cargo—CVG currently faces significant inefficiencies. Couriers must transport wildlife goods to other locations for USFWS inspection before returning them to CVG for further shipment. In some cases, this involves a 100-mile journey to Louisville and back.

Dr. Paul’s amendment aims to address this issue by enabling faster movement of goods through one of America’s busiest cargo hubs. Additionally, the legislation includes a provision allowing USFWS to accept donations from private entities, providing stakeholders in aviation and trade industries an opportunity to contribute to necessary changes.

You can read the amendment HERE.

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